Question

An atom of mass m is initially at rest, in its ground state. A moving (nonrelativistic) electron of mass me sollides with the atom. The atom-electron system can exist in an excited state in which the electron is absorbed into the atom. The excited state has an extra, "internal," energy E relative to the atom's ground state.

a. Conservation of energy
b. Conservation of momentum
c. Conservation of charge
d. Conservation of angular momentum

Answer 1

Conservation of energy, momentum, and charge are important principles in the collision between an atom and an electron in their ground and excited states.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question is conservation laws in relation to the collision between an atom and an electron. In this scenario, the atom can exist in an excited state when the electron is absorbed into the atom, resulting in extra internal energy.

1. Conservation of energy: According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, the energy required to excite the electron to a higher energy level is equal to the energy released when the electron returns to its ground state.
2. Conservation of momentum: In a collision, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This means that the combined momentum of the atom and the electron before the collision is equal to the momentum of the excited atom after the electron is absorbed.
3. Conservation of charge: The total charge before the collision is equal to the total charge after the collision. The charge of the atom and the charge of the electron will remain conserved.